Gale Lynn (Kehler) Brown, 64, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Per Gale’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. The family invites friends and loved ones to share memories and condolences at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on the Ledford Family Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, Odessa, Missouri.
Gale was born on May 23, 1961, in Keokuk, Iowa, the daughter of James and Esther (Sapp) Kehler. She grew up in the Kahoka area and graduated from Clark County High School. On September 2, 1978, she married the love of her life, Robert Lewis Brown, beginning a partnership that spanned 47 years and was built on devotion, family, and quiet strength.
Gale’s greatest joy and pride in life was her family, whom she was wholeheartedly dedicated to every member. She was also a dedicated nurse for decades. She found fulfillment in this work because she had a passion like no other to help those in need. After her nursing career she volunteered at Helping Hands of Odessa. At last, when she was physically unable to help there, she would scroll on Facebook responding to every “in need” post she possibly could. You cannot describe Gale without using the words “Love” and “Giving”. She always put others first.
When Gale wasn’t doing for others, she enjoyed living a simple life. She loved being outside and spending time with family, especially her grand and great grandchildren. She loved being known as “The Baby Whisperer”. Holding each and every one of those babies filled her heart. She also enjoyed teaching them how to cook when they grew older. Many would say she is an expert in the kitchen. To her this was another chance to make memories with them. She cherished every memory made with them.
Gale leaves behind her beloved husband of 47 years, Robert Brown of Odessa; her children, Ryan (Mandy) Brown of Mayview and Richelle (Mike) Mueller of Odessa; her grandchildren, Trace (Makenzi) Brown, Colby (Madison) Brown, Carson Brown, and June Mueller; and her great-grandchildren, Gauge, Knoxx, Wren, and Isla Brown. She is also survived by four brothers, Wade (Annie) Kehler of Hamilton, Illinois, Craig Kehler of Keokuk, Iowa, Rick (Brenda) Kehler of Bates City, Missouri, and Jimmy (Wanda) Kehler of Ramona, California; a sister, Tami Kehler of Kansas City, MO; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
